Emaar to build MidEast’s largest Chinatown in Dubai Creek Harbour.

Emaar on Wednesday announced a landmark development in Dubai that will further strengthen UAE-China relations, coinciding with the historic visit of President Xi Jinping to the UAE.Emaar said it will develop the Middle East’s largest Chinatown within the retail district of Dubai Creek Harbour, its six-square kilometre mega-development.

The retail precinct will occupy a central location within Dubai Creek Harbour, it said in a statement.The company also announced that it will open three dedicated pavilions in China – Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, all cities served by direct daily flights to Dubai on Emirates Airline.

The three offices will promote tourism, education, trading and investment between UAE and China.In a third announcement, Emaar said it will expand its premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand, Address Hotels + Resorts, to China with discussions ongoing to develop and operate Address branded hotels in key cities in the country.

Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE is historic and will further strengthen UAE-China relations, underpinned by initiatives such as the UAE-China Week announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

“The UAE and China share strong bilateral trade and cultural relations, which are bolstered by the presence of over 200,000 Chinese citizens who live in the UAE and the hundreds of thousands of Chinese visitors that the nation welcomes annually.”The development of the new Chinese retail and lifestyle district at Dubai Creek Harbour – as well as Emaar’s expansion into China, both in property and hospitality – highlight our commitment to the country, and our focus on contributing to the strength and success of UAE-China relations.”

Emaar’s new China-focused initiatives build on the strong Chinese investment in the UAE as well as the continued growth of Chinese visitors to the country, especially following the visa-on-arrival status granted to Chinese nationals by the UAE in 2016.

China is the fourth largest visitor source market for Dubai, with tourist and business traveller arrivals at 401,000 between January 1 and May 31, 2018, a growth of nine percent over the same period in 2017.